Pastoral Care
Providing support to one another, especially in times of crisis, illness, or grief, is at the heart of our lives together as a congregation.
We have tremendous resources on the pastoral care team, which includes Cathedral staff and volunteers, clergy and laity (many of whom are experienced health care professionals). Pastoral care for the congregation is facilitated by our pastoral care nurse who will make arrangements for you.
Is pastoral care appropriate for me?
We ask for you to help us know when we may be of service. Please let us know:
- When you are anticipating or have experienced the death of someone near to you.
- When you or someone in your family is ill or has been hospitalized or is going to have surgery.
- When a child is born. We’d like the opportunity to make a visit to welcome your new member of the family.
- When you are struggling with decisions about health care and faith.
- When you lose a job, or your home, or significant relationship, or are going through significant changes in your life.
- When you are having a crisis of faith. Contact us for an appointment to explore your situation and needs. (If appropriate, you will be referred to other resources for extended pastoral counseling or spiritual direction.)
How to contact us
During weekday business hours: (202) 537-3127 or pastoralcare@cathedral.org
After business hours: please contact the pastoral care emergency number: (202) 276-5830. Someone is on call 24/7 and is available for you.
Would you like to request prayers?
If you would like the support of the congregation for whatever you are experiencing, you may request prayers from the Prayer Team Ministry. You may also submit names of others so that this group will devote part of their private daily prayer in response to these requests. Please note that in order to respect the confidentiality of our members, we must have permission from the person for whom prayers are requested before they can be listed on the Congregation Prayer List.
How to request prayers
- You may call the Pastoral Care office (202) 537-3127 or e-mail pastoralcare@cathedral.org with these requests.
- Prayer request cards are available from clergy or Lucinda Conger (Prayer Team coordinator) or at the congregation table at the back of the nave on Sundays; or from Mary Wright Baylor, pastoral care nurse.
- Additionally, persons may request their name be listed at the service of intercessory prayer offered daily in Holy Spirit Chapel (Mondays through Saturdays at 2:30 pm).
Healing Ministry
Healing ministers are available on Sundays following the 8:45 and 11:15 am services to offer special petitions and laying on of hands.
Nursery Care
Providing respite for members of the congregation who wish to worship or participate fully in services, we offer nursery care from 8:30 am to 12:45 pm every Sunday.